PM's remarks at the launch of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C21 from Sriharikota on Sunday.

New Delhi: September 9,2012

Following is the text
of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s remarks after witnessing the
launch of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C21 from Sriharikota:

“I am delighted at having witnessed today’s launch of India’s Polar
Satellite Launch Vehicle – C21, carrying two foreign satellites. On
behalf of all fellow Indians, I warmly congratulate the Department of
Space and all members of the Indian Space Research Organisation
fraternity for this spectacular success. As ISRO’s 100th space mission,
today’s launch is a milestone in our nation’s space capabilities.

I would also like to congratulate EADS Astrium of France and Osaka
Institute of Technology of Japan for the successful launch of their
satellites. The launch of these satellites on board an Indian launch
vehicle is testimony to the commercial competitiveness of the Indian
space industry and is a tribute to Indian innovation and ingenuity.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the commencement of our
space programme. I am also happy to see here today many stalwarts of our
space programme in its earlier years, including the Project Directors of
our initial space missions. Given the string of successes since then, we
often forget how challenging space technology is and what a relatively
new field it continues to be. India is justly proud of its space
scientists, who have overcome immense odds to set up world class
facilities and develop advanced technologies. We owe a great deal to
pioneers like Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and Prof. Satish Dhawan. I remember
working closely with Prof. Dhawan when I was a Member of the Space
Commission in the late 1970s, and I am privileged to have had this long
association with our space endeavours. It is befitting that this new
state-of-the-art mission control centre has been named after Prof.
Satish Dhawan.

Questions are sometimes asked about whether a poor country like India
can afford a space programme and whether the funds spent on space
exploration, albeit modest, could be better utilized elsewhere. This
misses the point that a nation’s state of development is finally a
product of its technological prowess. The founding fathers of our space
programme faced a similar dilemma, but they persevered in pursuing their
vision. When we look at the enormous societal and national benefits that
have been generated in diverse fields, there can be no doubt that they
were right. Equally, I have no doubt that ISRO will build on these
glorious traditions and scale still greater heights.

The ISRO community has always been a source of inspiration to our
country through its quest for the stars. I wish all of you the very best
as you continue the journey to push the boundaries of science and
technology, and reap its benefits for society and for accelerated social
and economic development of our great country. Jai Hind.”

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